The brightly colored red, orange or yellow flower of the bird-of-paradise plant resembles a flying bird, which earns the plant its name. It thrives in tropical and subtropical areas that don’t experience winter frost, but can be grown as a houseplant in any climate. Potted plants can be placed outdoors for summer then brought inside to overwinter, or they can be grown indoors year-round. Birds of paradise are relatively low-maintenance, providing exotic blooms without a lot of work.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
- Pot
- Potting soil
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
- Shears
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Plant the bird of paradise in a well-drained garden bed where it receives full sunlight. Alternately, plant in a 10-inch-diameter or larger pot that is filled with a potting soil rich in organic matter.
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Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry in the garden bed, or when the top 1 inch feels dry in pots. Water at the base of the plant, moistening the top 6 to 8 inches of soil in beds. In summer and fall the plants may require watering one to three times a week, depending on natural rainfall amounts.
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Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around bedding plants. Use bark, wood chips or another organic mulch. The mulch helps prevent weeds while retaining moisture in the soil.
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Fertilize both bedding and potted birds of paradise every three months in spring, summer and fall. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the rate recommended on the package.
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Trim out dead leaves and spent flower stalks as necessary. Cut these out at their base, using a clean pair of shears.
Tips & Warnings
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Bird of paradise plants are disease- and insect-resistant in most areas.
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